Sadiq Khan reveals plans for youth investment ahead of mayoral election

In his manifesto, published before Londoners take to the polls on 2 May, pledges on 2 May, the current Mayor of London has said he will focus investment on “youth clubs, schools, pupil referral units, custody centres and major A&Es” to “tackle the complex causes of crime”.

After school activities, work experience and jobs for young people will also see greater investment to divert young people away from crime.

Khan also pledges to “work closely with families affected by violence, and to pioneer local solutions” by expanding the MyEnds’ programme which supports young Londoners and prevents violent crime through community action.

Khan invested £3.4mn in after-school programmes to reduce violence in September 2023.

Another key pledge made by the Mayor is to make universal free school meals (FSM) permanent for all state primary school children and continue providing 10mn meals to families during the school holidays in an extension of his current work to reduce food insecurity. 

Supporting young people to access work is also cited as a key focus of Khan’s election campaign, particularly in arts and culture.

Khan said: “I will ensure there is a strong focus on creating pathways into creative jobs for young Londoners from low-income and Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, to ensure our culture and creative output is shaped by all.

“I will set a target of creating more than 150,000 good jobs by 2028. I’ll ensure that young Londoners, especially those from lower income households, are given the opportunities to secure these high-quality, well-paid jobs.”

The Mayor of London spoke on episode four the CYP Now podcast about the launch of his inclusion charter to reduce increasing levels of violence linked to school exclusions and absenteeism across the capital.